1st March Eaton announced its intent to pursue a spin-off of our Lighting business, creating an independent, publicly traded company. We expect this transaction to be completed by the end of this year. Included in the spin-off are Eaton’s Lighting business (our UK brands: Zero 88, iLight, Greengate are part of the Lighting Division), our global Airport Lighting business, and our Mains Lighting and Intrusion Systems businesses that operate primarily in Europe and the Middle East. The Crouse-Hinds Industrial Lighting business and Life Safety Division’s Emergency Lighting product lines in Europe, the Middle East and Africa will remain with Eaton. The Lighting business had sales of $1.7 billion in 2018 and employs over 5,000 people and will be one of the largest global lighting businesses.

We are excited about this announcement for several reasons. It better positions the Lighting business to respond to evolving industry and customer needs, it enables Lighting to compete more effectively across its diverse end-markets, and it enhances Eaton’s ability to focus investments in its core businesses.

Over the next few months, we will be working to finalize the spin-off and ensure a seamless transition for our employees, customers and valued business partners. In the meantime, however, it’s business as usual. Zero 88 continues to focus on developing the entertainment market bringing innovative, affordable and intuitive lighting control products as we have done for more than 45 years. Please rest assured that we will communicate with you about any changes occurring in the future that are important to you.

I hope you will join us in our excitement over this news and our enthusiasm for the future of Eaton and the Lighting business. Please contact your sales representative with any questions you have about this announcement or our ongoing business relationship.

Every day, all around the world, productions depend on Zero 88 to meet their specialist needs.

We love helping you achieve #WhatMatters most - creating experiences & delighting audiences. Show us #WhatMatters to you by capturing those moments through photography.

That's no mean feat - so we want to award your efforts! Take a photo where our products are used, email photos@zero88.com and you could recieve a £50 Amazon voucher or 1 Universe ZerOS Upgrade (currently worth £250)!

This competition is running throughout 2019 - and for the duration of March you could win a "doubled up" £100 voucher if your photo is chosen as one of the 10 category winners.

You can submit any photo of any environment, but we're looking for high quality, crisp and exciting photos that display #WhatMatters in the wide range of applications where Zero 88 products are used.

Enjoying a great start to the new year is Eaton’s Zero 88, reporting that they have hit the magic number of ‘88’ in terms of territorial reach, and more specifically the number of countries to which their award-winning ZerOS lighting control products - including the popular FLX range consoles - have been supplied… and are now being used and appreciated!

Zero 88 is famous for its excellent technical support, superlative after sales service and comprehensive product training programmes. The training concept is being rolled out worldwide via the distributors, so ZerOS users everywhere can experience continuity and the same high levels of support.

A delighted David Catterall, General Manager for Zero 88 Eaton Lighting Systems, estimates that the ZerOS user base “has doubled” in the last 12 months, “and that’s down to the foresight and hard work of the whole team here - R ‘n D, manufacture, sales, marketing and admin. While there are currently some uncertainties in 2019 regarding our exact relationship with the EU, we are fully positioned to continue serving our dealer network wherever they are located”.

David adds that the company generally remains committed to ‘doing business right’ – including no waste to landfill, reducing the carbon footprint by 17%, generating new jobs due to taking the PCB manufacture in-house… and respecting individual’s rights and wishes under GDPR.

“We are looking forward to a positive and active 2019” he concluded.

Zero 88 FLX lights Aladdin at Aberystwyth Arts Centre

18th January 2019

Lighting Designer and Programmer Grant Barden chose FLX to operate Wardens Theatre Company’s sell-out spectacular panto “Aladdin” at the award winning Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Wales’ largest arts centre which has been recognised as a 'national flagship for the arts'.

When choosing which console to use, Grant explained “the ability to light over Tech Rehearsals and to keep up with the action was vital. The mechanics of recording the cues needed to be instinctive”. FLX certainly didn’t disappoint, with Grant adding, “I had recently been impressed by the ease of use and range of features of FLX. I wanted to see how it would cope with a larger rig and the demands of 350+ cues in two hours and fifteen minutes. Patching, plotting, groups, palettes, recording and updating were all straight forward and intuitive. I was particularly impressed by the ease with which I could create and modify complex dynamic effects across multiple fixtures.”

The rig consisted of 28 moving heads and 12 LEDs, along with a full rig of generics, star cloth, practicals and smoke effects. Grant concludes “The FLX methodology seemed to match my thought processes even under pressure.”

2018 has been a fantastic year - so my message is full of "thank yous"

7th January 2019

First, it's been so pleasing to so deeply connect with many of our long-term customers in 2018, sharing the excitement of delivering FLX and FLX S into rental, broadcast and theatre to name just a few applications. We are proud to say “Thank You” as we now trade with over 95 countries worldwide - and although 2019 brings uncertainties regarding our exact relationship with the EU, we can be confident we have the ability to continue serving our dealer network wherever in the world they are.

A second "thank you" goes to our ever-wider ZerOS user base – our audience as it were - we estimate this has recently doubled – our message to you is that we continue to invite you to connect to us at trade shows, though training events and via social media – we’ll share as appropriate with you. We remain committed to “Doing Business Right” – whether that’s Zero Waste to Landfill, reducing our Carbon footprint by 17% this year, generating new jobs due to our in-house PCBA manufacture or just respecting your rights and wishes under GDPR.

Finally, its right that we recognize two particular groups of people. To those individuals freely sacrificing much of their time for “Save Stage Lighting” – we admire the significant progress that has been made. Everyone involved should be very proud of how they’ve represented our industry. Secondly, the many volunteers working on the ESTA Technical Standards Program - we’re excited to see your work on projects such as "RDMnet" which will help our industry and expand the capabilities of our Award Winning RigSync.

So, what might you look forwards to in 2019? Expect major software and hardware releases along with significant improvements in how we present ourselves to our ever-increasing audience. Our whole team looks forward to working with you all - our hugely-dedicated customers, suppliers, users and friends.

We wish you all had a very happy, and hopefully relaxing, Christmas and New Year.

Zero 88 Raises the Bar for Lighting Console Training in 2019

30th November 2018

Eaton’s Zero 88 lighting control brand is dramatically ramping up its free training opportunities in 2019 - open for all those utilising lighting consoles running ZerOS architecture - as part of a wider comprehensive product support programme.

This is as a direct result of a dramatic increase in the number of active ZerOS users, which has doubled in the last 12 months alone.

The trend reflects the success of the FLX series of powerful, flexible and affordable lighting consoles - the FLX and FLX S24 and S48 - which have enjoyed massive popularity especially for small-to-medium applications running rigs with some moving lights and a quantity of LED fixtures together with conventionals.

For International training please contact your local Sales Manager or Zero 88 Distributor.

Hawthorn Chooses Zero 88's FLX

7th November 2018

Hawthorn, an award-winning UK based creative technical event production specialist, has purchased multiple new Zero 88 consoles – both FLX and FLX S range - joining a growing number of top UK rental companies investing in the power and simplicity of the FLX ranges, which are manufactured exclusively in the UK by Eaton’s Zero 88.

This move was partly customer led, explained Adrian Searle, Hawthorn’s asset operations director, “and partly due to the fact that we can all clearly see the benefits of the FLX feature set and appreciate the fact that Zero 88 hardware and software has a history of making complex programming tasks exceptionally straightforward”.

Hawthorn have a long history with Zero 88 ‘legacy’ console products and continue to offer different types of Zero 88 dimmers, however they had switched to another console brand for a while to find a small to medium event console solution.

This all changed with the launch of the FLX three years ago!

Zero 88 at LDI 2018

12th October 2018

Leading UK lighting control manufacturer Zero 88 will have a strong presence at the 2018 LDI expo in Las Vegas, for the first time in several years, following on from the enormous success and buzz of its FLX range of lighting consoles, first launched in 2015.

Zero 88 Product specialist Jon Hole, commented: “LDI is well known for the high-quality of its visitors which includes a big percentage of lighting designers, directors and programmers. In addition to all those from North America, Canada and Latin America, we are also expecting to see people from Asia and the Pan Pacific regions. It should be an excellent chance for us to get the brand and products in front of new contacts and a completely different audience.”

An international Zero 88 product specialist team will be demonstrating the FLX and FLX S ranges of powerful and intuitive lighting desks on Booth 962 (co-exhibiting alongside Lehigh Electric Products Company), and there will also be the chance for visitors to win an FLX S24.

SLX Invests in Zero 88 FLX S Consoles

28th August 2018

SLX, one of the best-known UK theatrical lighting rental specialists, systems integrators and venue installers, has invested in nine new Zero 88 FLX range consoles with the purchase of seven FLX S24s and two FLX S48s.

The award-winning next generation Zero 88 FLX range of consoles take lighting control for small to medium applications to a whole new level. The decision to purchase by SLX was particularly driven by the transition to LED based lighting rigs in so many venues at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where SLX is supplying lighting to the Underbelly.

”We needed a console that was straightforward and easy to use with the power to control a reasonable amount of moving and / or LED fixtures with all their parameters, and FLX was a perfect and cost-effective solution,” commented Ruari Cormack, business development manager for SLX.

Zero 88 Hits the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Style

3rd August 2018

It is Edinburgh Fringe Festival time again - the month of August where for almost four action-packed weeks, the Scottish city becomes a maelstrom of innovative, provocative and entertaining new theatre and performance, with works embracing all genres.

Over 100 x Zero 88 lighting consoles – including the new award winning FLX range and a variety of legacy products - are working hard across the 300+ venues running in and around the city during the event, and the company has once again been at the forefront of offering comprehensive onsite training and support.

At least 25 of Eaton’s new Zero 88 FLX S range consoles alone are involved, just nine months after the desk - designed for quick and intuitive control of moving lights and LED fixtures for this size and style of shows - was launched.

In fact, Eaton is enjoying a bumper Fringe year in the lighting control department, with the Zero 88 brand’s trusty consoles running lighting for a diversity of venues – from the highest profile to the most exclusive and secretive.

Designed to save you time and maximise your creativity, FLX range
is fully featured, portable, easy to
use, and can be expanded with industry standard networking, free apps and a range of USB accessories.

Save Stage Lighting

26th April 2018

We’ve created a response to the European Union's (EU) proposal of the "Ecodesign Working Plan 2016-2019" regulation.

The aim is to protect the future of venues, theatres and shows across Europe from an enormous threat being posed by the European Union's (EU) proposal of the "Ecodesign Working Plan 2016-2019" regulation.

This has the potential to harm everyone from technicians, actors and designers to, ultimately, audience members. The consequences of failure would be catastrophic to the entertainment industry and European culture.

Zero 88 is expecting a busy PLASA Focus in Leeds next week, where we continue our roadmap of powerful, incremental updates for both hardware and software.

Being previewed is the FLX range of consoles with the latest ZerOS 7.9.4 software and the Chilli Pro 12 & 24 bypass dimmers with RBCO option. You can also view our range of flexible networking capabilities and the PLASA award winning 'RigSync' feature - all on Stand
N-B12, 1-2 May 2018.

We also have free Hands-on introduction and training designed to familiarise you with the FLX range on Tuesday 1st May at 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:15 and 15:45.

Zero 88 is expecting a busy Prolight+Sound expo in Frankfurt next month, where we continue our roadmap of powerful, incremental updates for both hardware and software.

Being previewed is the FLX range of consoles with the latest ZerOS 7.9.4 software and the Chilli Pro 12 bypass dimmer with RBCO option. You can also view our range of flexible networking capabilities and the PLASA award winning 'RigSync' feature - all in Hall 3, Stand B50, 10 - 13 April 2018.

A Zero 88 FLX S24 console was utilised
to launch a high altitude balloon into near
space – reaching the stratosphere at around
30 kilometres - complete with an FLX S Range t-shirt as part of the payload – arguably the first entertainment technology industry astro t-shirt to make the journey to space and back!

The Mill at Sonning undergoes a technical refit from Henley Theatre Services

13th February 2018

Set on the banks of the River Thames, The Mill at Sonning is a truly unique building. For hundreds of years it was an active Mill and even appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 where three mills at ‘Sonninges and Berrochescire’ are mentioned. Today the Mill at Sonning is better known as a thriving 200 seat Theatre, Restaurant and Bar.

In the summer of 2017 Liam Hawes Technical Manager prepared his own specification for a complete technical refit and the team at HTS were extremely pleased to have won at competitive tender and provided the technical installation for the theatres latest modernisation.

The refit included new bespoke lighting bars made to measure to fit into this special building, the Dimming system had to have the ability to operate both LED, Specials and of course traditional tungsten lanterns. While the Zero 88 FLX lighting console is simply excellent for this type of application – and chosen because it works perfectly with Colour changing LEDS and Generic fixtures.

"A great team delivered a top quality installation as per the specification on-time considering the tight deadline." Liam Hawes, Tech Manager, The Mill Sonning.

For more information on Henley Theatre Services projects like this and others, please contact Reg@Henleytheatre.com

FLX S Lauches Astro Balloon Adventure

29th January 2018

A Zero 88 FLX S24 console was utilised to launch a high altitude balloon into near space - reaching the stratosphere at around 30 kilometres - complete with an FLX S T-shirt as part of the payload - arguably the first entertainment technology industry astro T-shirt to make the journey to space and back!

The plan was conceived - over a beer or two - by Zero-88's intrepid team of product specialist Jon Hole, Tyler Holpin from international sales and product support engineer Edward Smith, in collaboration with high altitude balloon activist and theatre technician, Stevie Partington - at the 2017 National Student Drama Festival (NSDF) in Hull! Stevie is a teacher in Music and Computing at Worksop College in Nottinghamshire, which was used as the launch site location.

The team assembled the 'payload' package, including a Raspberry Pie PCB encased in polystyrene which fed back information such as location, velocity, altitude and temperature, allowing the balloon's path and flying conditions could be tracked and monitored. A small video camera to record the flight was installed together with the descent parachute.

The FLX S T-shirt was attached - utilising humungous amounts of gaffa tape - to a pair of outriggers and placed within camera shot for the journey. The balloon was then filled with pure helium - to about 30% capacity to initiate the launch, and released via an electric kabuki relay triggered by the FLX S24 console.

The balloon reached the 30 Km mark in 1.45 hours (the standard commercial flight cruising altitude is around 9.2 Km so it went three times higher) ... presenting plenty of opportunities to get some awesome camera shots and video footage of the journey with the earth in the background!

The eventual touch-down was near the town of Nettleton, Lincolnshire, 44 miles away from the Launchpad, around 12 miles from the sea, and an hour and 16 minute chase for the four space adventurers to retrieve the T-shirt together with the rest of the payload.

The astro FLX S T-Shirt will be offered as a competition prize via Zero 88's social media channels. The competition - and video - is launched TODAY - 29th January 2018 ... and anyone interested in winning this special T-shirt should check Zero 88's social channels, where you can enter by liking our Facebook page and posting a comment on the video / post, commenting on the You Tube video or re-tweeting our Twitter post.

We end 2017 paying tribute to our dear friend and colleague Paul McEwan who so suddenly died of a stroke in March. Paul was part of Zero 88 for 12 years, a dedicated father and husband to Liz. Edinburgh festivals will never quite be the same without Paul wielding those welcome packs of biscuits. We shall always miss him and always remember him.

From a low to a high - FLX S joined the award winning FLX family in September realising our long term plan to bring intelligent lighting controls closer to the less experienced user. A PLASA innovation award for RigSync was the icing on the cake. RigSync embodies much of what we strive for in being innovative in ways that simplify the real world.

The arrival of FLX S saw the retirement of Jester, after many years of outstanding service. True to our principles, for those tens of thousands of users, we will be holding spares and updating fixture libraries for a long time yet. Combined with additions to Chilli, Alphapack, and significant software updates to Solution and FLX, it’s been a busy year all told.

So I wish you all happiness and joy through the holiday season and look forward to continuing to work with so many friends in 2018.

Holiday Hours

5th December 2017

Eaton Lighting Systems will close for the holiday season from midday on 22nd December 2017 and re-open on 2nd January 2018.

Last date for shipments prior to closing:
International - Monday 18th December
UK - Wednesday 20th December

During the holiday period you can visit zero88.com/forum for answers to your non urgent enquires. You can also contact support on +44 (01633) 833101 or email support@zero88.com.

If you're not in any rush for an immediate answer Zero 88 staff will pick up calls and e-mails periodically throughout the holiday period.

Happy holidays from Zero 88

BBC Children in Need - Pudsey and FLX

24th November 2017

Eaton's Zero 88 FLX lighting console (and ZerOS Wing) were chosen by Lighting Designer Paul Middleton for the Bristol location shoots during this year's BBC Children in Need. FLX is designed to save time and maximise creativity through a fully featured, portable and easy to use lighting control console.

BBC Children in Need raised a record-breaking £50.1m during last Friday's show, which featured a Blue Peter Strictly Come Dancing special, a Weakest Link celebrity special, a singing EastEnders cast, and a teaser of the Doctor Who Christmas edition.

In Bristol, around 200 pupils from seven schools came together at Aerospace Bristol. They joined more than 1,500 school pupils from ten different locations around the UK for a jazz rendition of Over The Rainbow.

BBC Children in Need is the BBC's UK corporate charity and raises money for disadvantaged children and young people around the country. The show featured some of the children and young people whose lives have been changed through support from Children in Need.

For future general enquiries, orders and customer service please Telephone: +44 (0)1923 495495.

ZerOS RigSync wins PLASA Innovation Award

25th September 2017

Eaton’s popular Zero 88 lighting control brand continues its winning ways … collecting a coveted PLASA (Professional Lighting & Sound Association) 2017 ‘Award for Innovation’ for the cool and inventive ‘RigSync’ application, a feature available with the latest version of its powerful and flexible ZerOS console software.

RigSync demystifies the work of DMX addressing for console users, allowing them more time to focus on being imaginative … while the technical elements sort themselves out via the console talking to the lighting rig. The judges commented, “RigSync opens up lighting creativity opportunities for non-technical people in an entry-level environment”.

The PLASA Awards for Innovation aim to recognize and reward new product ideas, and are independently judged by a task-force of industry specialists.

This is the second PLASA Innovation Award that Cwmbran, Wales based Zero 88 has won in two years, adding to 2015’s recognition of the new FLX lighting console.

“We are absolutely delighted to have won another Innovation Award so soon” stated Zero 88 general manager David Catterall. “We believe in making lighting control affordable, straightforward and fun, and this is a great example of ingenuity from which many people will benefit”

Eaton launches Zero 88 FLX S lighting consoles

12th September 2017

Eaton expands its award-winning Zero 88 FLX range with two powerful, all-new lighting control consoles designed for applications where space, time, ease of use and flexibility are key factors.

FLX S24 and FLX S48 are affordable, easy to use and fun. They control 48 and 96 fixtures respectively to bring the power, simplicity and cost-efficiency for which Zero 88 are renowned.

The FLX S range is designed for universal appeal, and is manufactured in the UK by Zero 88 - bringing 45 years of professional entertainment manufacturing expertise. It is especially suitable for fringe theatre productions, education, community venues, houses of worship, corporate events and presentations, concerts, rental applications, fashion shows, festivals, holiday parks and themed attractions, cruise ships, television and many more...

The FLX S Range, Lighting for you – controlled by you.

Zero 88 celebrating 45 years

6th September 2017

First time on show at PLASA London will be the Chilli Pro 12 range of relay, dimming and bypass dimmers to complete the extensive revised Chilli lineup. With its small footprint and fast installation and set up, the Chilli range saves time and trouble especially in retrofit applications. The versatile multiuse Alphapack 3 will also be on show - ideal for those small jobs or adding distributed dimming ­into any modern power rig on either 15a, powerCON TRUE1 or CEE22 sockets.

On the console front the team will be showcasing the ever growing ZerOS software platform on our FLX Lighting Console. Our roadmap of powerful, incremental updates for ZerOS is delivering lots of new features for you to get your hands on. This includes our new RigSync feature entered for a PLASA 2017 Innovation Award.

We are also offering free of charge training sessions throughout the day onsite at PLASA on Tuesday 19th. The sessions will last for 75 minutes and are designed to familiarize you with the operation of FLX consoles. To book your place on one of these courses, please email EdwardSmith@eaton.com

The team from Eaton - Zero 88 are looking forward to seeing you at PLASA this year, our 45th year serving the entertainment industry. Step by to meet us on stand A52.

To view the full job description and to apply online please click here.

St David's Hall use their new FLX for BBC Cardiff Singer of the World

14th June 2017

St David’s Hall in Cardiff, the “National Concert Hall of Wales”, are using their newly purchased Zero 88 FLX during BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, with live broadcasts showing highlights every evening this week. The five camera production set includes a mixed rig of generics, colour changing LEDs and moving light fixtures. Andy Cottey is Lighting Director, with Emma Nicholson as Operator. Emma said “we chose the FLX because of the number of physical playbacks, the console’s responsiveness within a busking environment, the instant familiarity of the programming language, and the ability to combine playback of cues with live channel override using the faders”.

After winning the PLASA Award for Innovation two years ago for its “revolutionary approach to colour and movement”, FLX software continues to develop and add features designed to save time and maximise creativity. This has led to success in multipurpose venues, television studios, live events & hire, theatres and educational applications.

Zero 88 welcomes Edward Smith to the Team

5th June 2017

We're excited to welcome Edward Smith to the Eaton family. Edward's already an active contributor to our forums and Beta Test programs. He has now joined us full time from the University of South Wales, studying BSc (Hons) in Lighting Design and Technology, where his skills and experience quickly caught our eye. Edward will be providing both onsite and remote support and training, along with supporting our Sales, Marketing and Engineering teams.

Zero 88 in the Virgin Pulse Global Challenge

9th May 2017

This year Zero 88 have a Team in the Virgin Pulse 10,000 step Global Challenge - Starting on the 24th May.

Zero 88 will be exhibiting at PLASA Focus Leeds on the 9 and 10th May, where we are continuing our roadmap of powerful, incremental updates for both hardware and software.

Being shown is the powerCON TRUE1 AlphaPack 3, the Chilli Pro 12 bypass (with dimmer, relay, bypass, RCD & RBCO options) an Apple Watch focus tool, the Solution console with the new 7.9.2 zerOS software and we will also be previewing ZerOS 7.9.3 running on the FLX.

The show also affords a first view of the new LED range of luminaires from LDR including the CETRA and ARPA fresnels and profiles - available in a range of brightness, color temperature and paint finishes - this will be the first opportunity in the UK to get hands on with these new fixtures that will suit both theatrical and architectural applications.

Come along and see the Zero 88 Team on Stand N-B12 at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. We look forward to seeing you there.

Paul McEwan - Missed by all

4th April 2017

This weekend we heard the heart breaking news that we've lost our friend and colleague Paul McEwan.

A long standing member of the Zero 88 team, Paul was focused on the show - known for going the extra mile, always smiling and providing the highest possible service and support.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz, the boys and all of Paul's family and friends as we come to terms with the news.

Thank you all for your very kind messages and tributes.

Zero 88 at Prolight+Sound 2017

6th March 2017

Zero 88 - Eaton Lighting Systems will be at Prolight+Sound Frankfurt on 4 - 7th April. The Zero 88 Team will be in Hall 3.0 on Stand B50. Pop in for a demonstration or just come along and say hello.

Kalle Karindi from OÜ Focuspoint Estonia recently installed an impressive 240 Chilli dimmer channels, using several Chilli Pro 1210 HF’s to control the fluorescent ceiling lights and a working light system with ChilliNet button stations at Tallinn's City Theater.

The City Theater is located in a medieval area of buildings in the old town of Tallinn in Estonia. It offers three venues; the main stage is called the "Hell Theatre". Zero 88 dimmers are also installed to control the "Heaven Stage" and the "Horse Mill Stage". While the Open-Air Stage also uses mobile Betapack 3 dimmers.

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - FLX Training

16th Jan 2017

We paid a visit to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland last week to train the technicians on the FLX lighting console for the Into The New Festival - a festival of shows by the Contemporary Performance Practice final year students from the RCS. Supported by the technical students from the RCS and runs from 23rd To 26th of Jan at the Pearce Institute in Govan.

Eaton Lighting Systems will close for the holiday season on 23rd December 2016 and re-open on 3rd January 2017.

Last date for shipments prior to closing:
International - Tuesday 20th December
UK - Thursday 22nd December

During the holiday period you can visit zero88.com/forum for answers to your non urgent enquires. You can also contact support on +44 (01633) 833101 or email support@zero88.com.

For urgent support in Europe please call Franck on +49 172 5252885 (email francktiesing@eaton.com) and for International enquiries please call Tyler on +44 (0)7814 030632.

If you're not in any rush for an immediate answer Zero 88 staff will pick up calls and e-mails periodically throughout the holiday period.

Happy holidays from Zero 88

Eaton Zero 88 Welsh Hearts Santa Dash

8th Dec 2016

Well done to Pete, Jordan, Tyler and Jon who entered the Welsh Hearts Santa Dash over the weekend as part of Eaton's community and well being programmes.

They joined hundreds of other Santas and Elves for the 5k walk, jog or dash around Mermaid Quay and Cardiff Bay.

"Welsh Hearts" are the leading heart charity in Wales for placing defibrillators in communities and delivering CPR and defibrillator training in Wales!

Eaton Zero 88 FLX Training at the Congress Theatre

24th Nov 2016

During the duration of the office refurbishment, our local theatre has been supporting us with a space to provide our scheduled training sessions. Our latest training session was on the FLX consoles and we had a great day in the lounge at the theatre.

All training at our Cwmbran office is free of charge and open to everyone who is looking to buy, have already bought or are just looking to improve their console skills. For more information contact tylerholpin@eaton.com - or contact your local sales manager for training in your area.

Thanks to everyone who attended training at the Congress Theatre and all the staff for their support and understanding!

Eaton Zero 88 at the Enlightened technical demonstration day

10th Nov 2016

Mandy and Keith from Zero 88 were recently at the Enlightened technical demonstration day at the University Theatre in Bath. The day gave students studying theatre production the opportunity to see and get hands on with some of the latest technology in use in our industry.

Organiser Chris Barham (technical demonstrator in lighting and sound, college of liberal arts) invited sixty students studying theatre production to attend the tech demo day and extended the invitation to three other student organisations in the local area.

Eaton Zero 88 Chillis at the University of Utrecht

3rd Nov 2016

Seven brand-new Chilli Pro 12 Relay systems (12 x 16A relays with RCD) have been recently installed by our Dutch distributor Controllux at the HU University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht. The university provides high-quality education and research for future industry professionals.

Utrecht is a fast growing and strong economic motor for The Netherlands, and we’re very proud to provide them with the latest technology from Eaton.

"The judges felt this was a perfect expression of an operator "In Control" in a modern lighting control scenario; surrounded by the tools of his trade, with the stage ready in the background the operator still looks cool and relaxed as he also prepares for his next show during the downtime."

We would also like to take this opportunity to extend a very big thank you to all the contributors - you really opened our eyes to the breadth of applications and events that you undertake every day with your Zero 88 equipment.

Eaton Zero 88 at Innovation Productions open day

28th Oct 2016

Pop along to Innovation Productions on 1st November between 2pm - 7pm and say hello to the Team from Zero 88 and Innovation Productions. We will be showcasing our current range of control and dimming products including the Award winning FLX lighting control console. Innovation will have available a selection of moving lights from their hire stock including the Mac Quantum and Martin Rush range which will be linked to the consoles so you can test your lighting knowledge and programming skills.

This event is open to everyone and Innovation staff will be available to offer any assistance and advice you may require - and provide you with refreshments. For more information email tylerholpin@eaton.com

Eaton Zero 88 at Light and Sound Luzern

27th Oct 2016

Light and Sound Luzern is the leading trade fair for event and media technology in Switzerland.

This year from the 9th to 11th October in Hall 1 of Messe Luzern, over 70 exhibitors presented their latest products in the fields of Light, Audio and Stage Equipment - with dedicated areas including Show Lighting, LED Lighting, Lighting Control, Professional Audio, Recording, Audio Conferencing, DJ Equipment, Audio for Video, Energy Management, rigging and staging.

Zero 88 Northern & Eastern Europe Sales Manager Franck Tiesing said they had a very busy and successful few days presenting the FLX, Wing, network products, and have received fantastic feedback and interest on the new Chilli 12 bypass cabinets. "It is the first time we have shown the Chilli with the new Residual Current Breakers with Overload protection, and we are the only manufacturer offering bypass and RCBO options together".

Want to see the Chauvet Professional and Ovation fixtures along with the Zero88 FLX Lighting Console in action? On Tuesday 11th October Zero 88 are teaming up with CHAUVET Professional to host an open day at White Light's state-of-the-art studio facility, Studio 15 in London.

The day will include exclusive demonstrations of the latest Chauvet and Zero88 products, a light buffet, product presentations at 12pm and 2pm, and the chance to win an iPad.

For PLASA London Olympia we are co-sponsoring the dedicated Art-Net 4 Zone, with a member of Eaton staff on Stand R71 for the whole show. Zero 88 Product Manager Jon Hole will be giving a tech-briefing on "Implementing Art-Net in lighting consoles" at the Art-Net 4 Zone, on Monday 19th September at 4pm. If you are interested please feel free to come along.

Other Zero 88 colleagues will be attending the September PLASA show in London, though in line with some previous years we will not have a dedicated stand space, but will be around if you want to meet up. Please contact your local Zero 88 Sales Manager for further details or call +44 (0)1633 838088.

Eaton Zero 88 offers ‘A Million Steps’ of Support on the Fringe

2nd Sept 2016

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe … is the world’s largest arts festival!

The 2016 Festival drew to a close after three weeks of action in and around the city, offering over 50,000 performances in over 300 venues showcasing thousands of shows including some of the newest, most innovative and exciting works embracing a diverse plethora of genres including drama, musical, dance, physical theatre, comedy, cabaret, opera, music, spoken word and many more.

Zero 88 lighting control was once again right at the hub of this vibrant experience!

Over 280 technicians were trained during the 2016 Festival Fringe, from around 130 performance spaces all running Zero 88 consoles. Products included the new FLX, Solution, Jester and even the now ‘classic’ Fat Frogs which have been running Festival Fringe venues since the turn of the millennium!

Eaton provided advice during the early planning stages for several larger venues, and Zero 88 product specialist Paul McEwan and product manager Jon Hole were onsite for the build and throughout the festival period to provide venue training and to support companies with more complex plotting requirements.

While performers returned to their post festival world and thousands of technicians executed meticulously planned get-outs designed to return them as quickly as possible to their beds - or the pub – Zero / Eaton gathered some heartfelt comments:

Assembly Festival Head of Lighting Doug Thomas-Currie summed up:“The support and advice I have received from Eaton has been incredible through the whole festival. The technical support provided was second to none! We have had great feedback on the full range of Zero 88 desks, with particular interest in the FLX. I can’t thank Paul and Jon enough for their help with everything this year”.

Brian Hutchison, Technical Manager for Summerhall’s Fringe, agreed:“Zero 88's consoles have been a great solution for our Fringe venues, easy to use and flexible. The equipment is great, however the most valuable thing for us has been the customer support. Training and troubleshooting help on call throughout the Fringe is vital when each console is running 10 shows over 12 hours a day. Zero 88 has been a great help and we look forward to working with them again in the future”.

Eaton runs regular free training at its facilities in London and Cwmbran, Wales, throughout the year. Please check the website for more information (zero88.com/training).

The company is also looking for venues around the UK that would be interested in hosting a free Zero 88 training event. Please call +44 1633 838088.

Still time to enter our FLX In Control Competition

26th Aug 2016

Zero 88 has launched a competition offering one of its powerful and flexible FLX lighting consoles as a prize.
The competition is open to anyone actively using or owning a Zero 88 lighting control product – desks or dimmers and anyone even thinking about it!

Entrants are required to take a photo of their Zero 88 product in action in a real lighting environment - at a gig, a show, a festival, a studio, a theatre, etc., and those who don’t own or use a Zero 88 product but are interested in entering the competition can still snap an image of themselves with one of our products at a Zero 88 exhibition or training event.

This year we have supported over 100 spaces including Assembly, C Venues, Gilded Balloon, Underbelly, Zoo Venues, theSpaceUK, Summerhall and Spotlight.

Paul is around until 29th August providing unrivalled free onsite training and support throughout the remainder of the festival, for any venue using Zero 88 equipment. 24 hour support is available via email, phone, facebook, twitter and free onsite visits.

Drop Paul a line if you need any last minute information, help or advice. T: 07778502174
E: PaulMcEwan@eaton.com

FLX Wins a PLASA Award for Innovation

5th Oct 2015

The versatile new FLX lighting console won a 2015 PLASA Innovation Award to the delight of all at Eaton’s performance lighting control business.

The much coveted Innovation Awards were presented at the three day entertainment technology expo staged at London’s ExCeL Centre earlier this week.

Zero 88 series General Manager David Catterall commented, “A huge amount of work has gone into ensuring that FLX would deliver new standards in lighting control using a touch screen interface and other time-saving features, and winning the Award is great recognition of the effort and ingenuity engaged at all levels by the team who have brought this product to the market”.

Launched earlier in the year, FLX has been an instant success for Zero 88 in a number of sectors from rental companies to theatres, churches to multi-purpose venues.

The Innovation Awards were judged by a number of leading and highly experienced industry professionals.

Their comment was that the FLX offered "a revolutionary approach to colour and movement for the tablet generation as being part of a well thought out-desk package aimed at an accessible price point for entry-level and more professional users."

The PLASA show was a busy and successful one for Eaton / Zero 88.

The manufacturer launched a range of Apps and DMX universe upgrade options that further enhanced those investing in the FLX control platform, including the FLX 8 which supports up to 8 DMX universes over ArtNet or streaming ACN, bring 4096 channels of control with no patch limitations.

Zero 88 at PLASA 2015

1st Sept 2015

Following its successful launch earlier this year - there will be a first time PLASA showing of the new FLX lighting console with our demonstrators shifting attention to introducing the latest FLX software releases - as we roll out a planned program of feature and capability enhancements to make FLX a truly powerful, durable, portable and extendable lighting control console package. Step by the stand to view the latest developments and sign up for one of our free training sessions.

Sitting alongside the FLX will be the new ZerOS Wing, allowing the expansion of FLX to increase the number of playback faders. A number of configurations will be shown to demonstrate the versatility of the ZerOS Wing package. The Wing will also bring new standards of flexibility to all ZerOS consoles in a future software update - either used alone with a PC or connected to ZerOS consoles such as ORB XF and Solution.
Also showcased will be new Remote and Monitor Apps for all ZerOS consoles on iOS and Android. These new apps will deliver easier remote operation of ZerOS consoles via mobile devices, as each app has a specific function tailored to the needs of the application. The highly successful new Chilli Bypass power control and dimming cabinet completes the new product line up.

Our team of demonstrators and product specialists will be on the stand to answer your technical questions and guide you with your projects.

We can't believe we're already a week into supporting this year's Edinburgh Festival! Last week Paul McEwan trained up members of C Venues on their FLX and Jester ML consoles in their training room, and this week Jon Hole travels up to increase the number of venues we can visit each day.

As always, we're providing free onsite support and training throughout the festival. We've already visited some venues that have Zero 88 consoles for the first time, and we're also really happy with the uptake of our new FLX console just 3 months after its launch - we're finding them all over Edinburgh!

Whatever Zero 88 console you're using, make sure you're running the latest software and fixture library, downloadable from zero88.com/software or just let us know where you are and we'll come and update it for you.

If you require any Zero 88 training, or simply have a question you don't know the answer to, contact us via social media or by calling +44 (0)7778 502174 (Paul), +44 (0)7734 736690 (Jon) or +44 (0)1633 838101 (central tech support).

Howden Park Centre chooses FLX for installation

10th June 2015

"The FLX console even from the teaser adverts and videos, appeared to give us everything we required in a small footprint and at a very good price point, using known and proven software."
Ian Gibson, Technical Coordinator, Howden Park Centre.

Howden Park Centre in Livingstone, Scotland, is a multi-functional venue with two art studios and a 300 seat raked auditorium.

The venue reopened in 2009 after a major redevelopment, and today it offers a continuous programme of professional arts and performances - including theatre, music, comedy, dance, exhibitions, public classes, corporate launches and special events.

The console operational requirements at the venue are very diverse with cued theatre shows and busked concert events. Time is at a premium with very short technical sessions on incoming shows and the console has to be quick and easy to program with the ability to cover a very wide spectrum of operational experience amongst users.

Ian explains that they have been looking for a console for quite some time, "The colour pickers with filter selection is a real time saver and the ability to build our own pallets will speed things up greatly."

"With the on board multi-touch screen a rainbow wash is just so simple to achieve. The promised future features will allow ongoing development and the addition of the Wing will give 49 Playbacks without us having to worry about moving pages".

"With the teaser videos and images the console looked well put together and it is."

Black light have been a Zero 88 distributors for over 30 years, and Karen Fairlie who runs the sales department was only too happy to help Iain at Howden Park with the supply of their new lighting desk and wing.

FLX & Wing News

5th May 2015

After it's successful launch at Prolight+Sound earlier this month, the FLX & Wing will be appearing at the Plasa Focus Leeds Exhibition on the 12-13 May. Come and see us on Stand N-B12 for an overview and demonstration.

National Student Drama Festival

28th April 2015

Mark and Jon spent several days in Scarborough again this year to support the NSDF. Zero 88 equipment used in the venues included ORB XF, ZeroWire CRMX and BetaPack 3 dimmers. We also ran three workshops for the technical team, discussing available Jobs within the Entertainment Industry, an introduction to Lighting Control and an Introduction to FLX – our new lighting control console which was launched just days before.

We had a fantastic show this year and the Eaton – Zero 88 Team enjoyed it immensely. The FLX Lighting Console was very well received attracting people from all corners of the World. We were kept very busy with all the FLX demonstrations and it was nice to chat and to get feedback from all our Dealers and end users.
We had the Chilli Dimmer Range which is the European industry standard, and the new Chilli Pro Bypass - the future innovation for the Install market in Europe. The new Alphapack 3 prototype and the new Split2.8 with fix switch was also on display. Everything was well received with many positive comments and we all thought it was an excellent show.

The new FLX lighting console arriving soon

16th March 2015

FLX creates more time to be imaginative, inventive and efficient

It’s clean, straightforward, intuitive User Interface offers tools like Patch Wizard and Auto Palettes to take care of all the prep work, so

LDs and operators can be free to work faster and more harmoniously.

Straightforward three-step programming – What, How and Where - you want it… streamlines time and the operational process.

True Colours - Even when working with fixtures that colour mix using different methods, the software will work everything out so all the fixtures respond correctly and accordingly.

The Simple yet sophisticated philosophy of FLX enables operators of all backgrounds and experience levels to feel instantly comfortable, due to familiar industry standard syntax and intuitive fader-per-channel intensity control.

Please watch this space ….. and in the meantime check out the video at zero88.com/flx

As a thankyou for the fantastic support and resources the Phoenix Artist Club regularly give us when delivering our UK training program, it was an honor to support their search for “the next West End Musical Theatre star”.

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